Padstack - 2012-08-02 12:52 PM
A question for those that have done this event before. I will be down that way next week and will have my bike. I want to preview as much of the bike course as possible. I just want to make sure that the entire first half of the course is not on the base, but only crosses over on Cristianitos Road, right before San Mateo Drive. Is this correct or do I need to be aware of earlier portions that are on the base? The turn-by-turn on the website is a bit confusing in this regard.
Since I am down there, I will be doing a nice long brick with about 5 miles on the run course as well.
I have not done it yet, but this is my town/training route.
The vast majority of the route is on Pendleton.
Per the map on the 2012 Athlete Guide... The Del Mar gate is the South entrance to Pendleton, right outside of the Harbor.
You leave the Base and enter San Onofre State Park about 5 miles south of the "Trestles Bike Path" on the map.
You are pretty much back on the base once you get on Basilone Road from San Mateo.
Google "cycling on Camp Pendleton" or check out cycling forums based in San Diego as you get close.
The marine base allows bicycle access, but there are a bunch of things you need to know.
They can/will close.
I think 8/4 is closed due to a Tri on the base.
They are not very flexible with rule breakers on base, here is what you need to know.
- Helmet, always.
- No earphones.
- Show a driver's license at each gate.
- There is only one path that is open to cyclists, it is not the race-course. Do not deviate from it. I just asked the guard at the gate my first time, he was more than helpful. There are only two turns that don't have good signage for cyclists.
- Use the south main gate to enter.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- If military personnel tell you to do something, do it.